Reasonable ability on rock comes first in progressive schooling in the art of climbing in rugged terrain. Technique is easier to acquire on rock than on ice because rock is more comfortable to work on, requires little equipment, is far more abundant, and demands less judgment. Rock-climbing does not make a mountaineer, any more than does skiing, but it is a substantial start.
Ski mountaineers will be grounded while applying advanced climbing technique. Difficult summits or passes are rarely accessible to a man on skis. At best, it is recommended that the ski mountaineer not try to climb any but short roped pitches, on rock or ice, if he must carry or drag his skis.
